Milk and other dairy foods in relation to prostate cancer recurrence: Data from the cancer of the prostate strategic urologic research endeavor (CaPSURE™).

BACKGROUND: High-fat dairy, particularly whole milk, in healthy men may increase risk of aggressive prostate cancer. However, data are limited regarding dairy after prostate cancer diagnosis. METHOD: We conducted a prospective study among 1334 men with non-metastatic prostate cancer in the Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urologic Research Endeavor. Men answered a food frequency questionnaire in 2004-2005 (median 2 years after diagnosis) and were followed until 2016 for recurrence, defined as: prostate cancer death, bone metastases, biochemical recurrence, or secondary treatment. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression was used to calculate hazards ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for associations between whole and low-fat milk; total, high-fat, and low-fat dairy; and other dairy items and risk of recurrence. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 8 years, we observed 137 events. Men who consumed >4 servings/week versus 0-3 servings/month of whole milk had an 73% increased risk of recurrence (HR: 1.73; 95%CI: 1.00, 2.98; P-value = 0.04). Body mass index (BMI) modified the association (P-interaction = 0.01). Among men with a BMI ≥27 kg/m2 , >4 servings/week versus 0-3 servings/month of whole milk was associated with a 3-fold higher risk of recurrence (HR: 2.96; 95%CI: 1.58, 5.54; P-value < 0.001). No association was seen in men with BMI <27 kg/m2 . Low-fat milk and other dairy foods were not associated with recurrence. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, whole milk consumption after prostate cancer diagnosis was associated with increased risk of recurrence, particularly among very overweight or obese men. Men with prostate cancer who choose to drink milk should select non-fat or low-fat options.

Comparing interferon- gamma release assay with tuberculin skin test readings at 48-72 hours and 144-168 hours with use of 2 commercial reagents.

BACKGROUND: Despite widespread use, the tuberculin skin test (TST) has many limitations, including a requirement for a second visit between 48 and 72 hours. The goal of this study was to determine the reliability of a TST reading between 144 and 168 hours. METHODS: Tuberculin antigen was applied into both forearms (Aplisol in one arm and Tubersol in the other, from single lots of each product) by the Mantoux method. Blood samples were obtained for interferon- gamma release assay. Subjects were seen at 48-72 hours for the initial (day 2) TST reading and returned at 144-168 hours for a second (day 7) reading. RESULTS: A total of 116 subjects at increased risk for tuberculosis were studied; 25 (22%) had positive results at day 2 with Tubersol and 27 (23%) had positive results at day 2 with Aplisol. Overall agreement between Tubersol and Aplisol at day 2 was 93% (kappa = 0.80) and at day 7 was 94% (kappa = 0.76). Overall agreement between day 2 and day 7 was 89% for Tubersol and 86% for Aplisol. Discordant results between day 2 and day 7 occurred mostly in persons with a history of bacille Calmette-Guerin vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Subjects who fail to present at 48-72 hours for TST reading may still have a reliable TST reading at up to 168 hours. Aplisol and Tubersol reagents produce comparable results when compared with the interferon- gamma release assay.

An efficient and practical chemoenzymatic preparation of optically active secondary amines.

[reaction: see text] An efficient and practical chemoenzymatic method was developed for the preparation of a variety of chiral secondary amines. Here, oxalamic esters were identified as unique derivatives amenable to the enzyme-catalyzed kinetic resolution of racemic secondary amines. Both enantiomers of the amines were produced in high optical purity and yields after the cleavage of the oxalamic groups.